blues / rock
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Here it is, a new album on the day Jeff would have Turned 50! Jeff scored a massive success with The Jeff Healey Band's hit 'Angel Eyes'. Born in Canada, Jeff Developed an eye disease called Retinoblastoma at the age of one and from then on lost his sight. Yet that didn't stop him from achieving his goals: many blues rock albums, a Jazz/dixie band in which he played trumpet and a radio career. The Healey Estate decided to take the 1996/98 music from the 'Get Me Some' sessions, and give it a 2016 boost. Could this work? The Healey Estate is very keen on quality, so the production is spotless and clearly not done overnight. One of the greatest changes is a change of drummer, which really improves the album!
So the line up is a little changed, vocals and guitars (bass on one track) Jeff Healey, drums Tom Stephen (Moodswing/Please), Joseph "Joe" Rockman on bass and Dean Glover on drums. Upon arrival allot of questions came with this album, but after a few listens the album makes more sense. The opening Track 'Daze of Night' could be considered to be the hit, and was released as single (download only). With a steady cowbell and Jeff's amazing guitar sounds this song already puts you on the right track to know you're in for something good. 'Moodswing' shows clearly Healeys there love for Cream. The psychedelic influences are more than obvious prove of this influence/tribute. With Joe's incredible bass-skills he takes you from the low's to the highs.
'Baby Blue' Is the first ballad on the album, and to be honest the first weak link. This was obviously a safecard in the Healey tradition. It will get positive attention, but among the Healey fans I'm sure there will be some eyebrow's raised. 'I Misunderstood' is exactly what one expects and wants to hear from this album, a strong, yet simple lyric, a signature adult sound and Roger Costa's and Dean's great drumming's input!! 'Please' is a no-nonsense, straight in the face track, I'd say “if it's weekend, rock out!” 'Love In Her Eyes' is the first song that combines the 80's Healey band and the elements of the 'Get Me Some' album. So here's some hidden gold for the 'See The Light era fans!'
'Temptation' could have been 'It Could All Been Blown Away's follow up song from the 'See The Light Album' (1992): same vibe, only different story and different times. A surprise, because it's not an intentional copy either. Very swampy bluesy vibe, without distorted vocals. I think here you can once again relearn that you're not dealing with a basic musician. 'Kiss The Ground' is a song that glues you deeper in the album/story, as Healey always managed to make an album of songs that blend together, without concept per sé. 'All The Saints' is a song that translates itself well in 2016, questioning the holy father. It's a full acoustic song, with some minor percussion.
'Put The Shoe In The Other foot', when it's time to go funky and groovy! 'Under A Stone' opens with a jazz scale guitar, and builds itself up to the rock song of the album. This could have easily been one of Jeff's biggest hits! Nice little fact is, Jeff's Widow takes on the backing vocals on this one, a jazz-trained singer who released one album and than kept her vocals a secret. So a nice surprise to hear Miss Healey Enforce the band. 'It's The Last Time' is what the listener asks her/himself asks along with this beautiful ending song..
Conclusion, This 5th album by Jeff with the Healey Band Members and the new personnel.
It's an incredible surprise, because of the excellent production. The idea to let 1996 play in 2016 worked well. Don't expect a full Jeff Healey album as in 'The Jeff Healey Band' but do be prepared for an album that one didn't expect and is good and is here to stay!
Happy Birthday Jeff!
VP.
So the line up is a little changed, vocals and guitars (bass on one track) Jeff Healey, drums Tom Stephen (Moodswing/Please), Joseph "Joe" Rockman on bass and Dean Glover on drums. Upon arrival allot of questions came with this album, but after a few listens the album makes more sense. The opening Track 'Daze of Night' could be considered to be the hit, and was released as single (download only). With a steady cowbell and Jeff's amazing guitar sounds this song already puts you on the right track to know you're in for something good. 'Moodswing' shows clearly Healeys there love for Cream. The psychedelic influences are more than obvious prove of this influence/tribute. With Joe's incredible bass-skills he takes you from the low's to the highs.
'Baby Blue' Is the first ballad on the album, and to be honest the first weak link. This was obviously a safecard in the Healey tradition. It will get positive attention, but among the Healey fans I'm sure there will be some eyebrow's raised. 'I Misunderstood' is exactly what one expects and wants to hear from this album, a strong, yet simple lyric, a signature adult sound and Roger Costa's and Dean's great drumming's input!! 'Please' is a no-nonsense, straight in the face track, I'd say “if it's weekend, rock out!” 'Love In Her Eyes' is the first song that combines the 80's Healey band and the elements of the 'Get Me Some' album. So here's some hidden gold for the 'See The Light era fans!'
'Temptation' could have been 'It Could All Been Blown Away's follow up song from the 'See The Light Album' (1992): same vibe, only different story and different times. A surprise, because it's not an intentional copy either. Very swampy bluesy vibe, without distorted vocals. I think here you can once again relearn that you're not dealing with a basic musician. 'Kiss The Ground' is a song that glues you deeper in the album/story, as Healey always managed to make an album of songs that blend together, without concept per sé. 'All The Saints' is a song that translates itself well in 2016, questioning the holy father. It's a full acoustic song, with some minor percussion.
'Put The Shoe In The Other foot', when it's time to go funky and groovy! 'Under A Stone' opens with a jazz scale guitar, and builds itself up to the rock song of the album. This could have easily been one of Jeff's biggest hits! Nice little fact is, Jeff's Widow takes on the backing vocals on this one, a jazz-trained singer who released one album and than kept her vocals a secret. So a nice surprise to hear Miss Healey Enforce the band. 'It's The Last Time' is what the listener asks her/himself asks along with this beautiful ending song..
Conclusion, This 5th album by Jeff with the Healey Band Members and the new personnel.
It's an incredible surprise, because of the excellent production. The idea to let 1996 play in 2016 worked well. Don't expect a full Jeff Healey album as in 'The Jeff Healey Band' but do be prepared for an album that one didn't expect and is good and is here to stay!
Happy Birthday Jeff!
VP.